Wi-Fi for travelers becomes web marketing lure

Wednesday 11th November, 04:57 AM JST

NEW YORK —

Google, Yahoo, eBay and Microsoft, competitors on the web, all have the same idea for marketing themselves this holiday season: temporarily providing free Wi-Fi access in airports, airplanes and public places.

Google Inc announced Tuesday that it would provide free Wi-Fi access in 47 airports across the U.S., including Boston, Houston and Seattle, through Jan 15. The airports handle about 35% of U.S. air travelers, the company said.

Travelers who connect to a wireless “hot spot” at one of the airports will see a browser page that gives them the chance to donate to three charities and have the donation matched by Google.

The 47 airports include some, such as McCarran International in Las Vegas, that already provide free Wi-Fi. Sponsorships help the airport keep the service free.

Google is also providing free Wi-Fi on Virgin America flights for the same period.

EBay Inc, the web auction powerhouse, will provide free Wi-Fi on some Delta Air Lines Inc planes during the week of Thanksgiving. Logging on will take users first to eBay’s holiday page, but they will be free to roam from there.

Since September, Microsoft Corp has given away Wi-Fi access at some hotels and airports, encouraging users to make a query on the company’s new search engine, Bing.

On Monday, Yahoo Inc said it is giving away Wi-Fi access in New York’s Times Square. One street of the busy area was converted into pedestrian zone with lawn chairs this spring, giving more of a reason to dawdle and perhaps flip open a laptop.

Boingo Wireless Inc, which operates for-pay hot spots in airports and is part of Google’s project, said it has been getting good results with free Wi-Fi campaigns sponsored by hotel chains. The campaigns typically offer users 15 to 20 minutes of access after they watch a 30-second video advertisement.

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8 Comments

OneForAll at 09:09 AM JST - 11th November

Cool
pawatan at 10:36 AM JST - 11th November

Good stuff.
Yelnats at 11:25 AM JST - 11th November

On Monday, Yahoo Inc said it is giving away Wi-Fi access in New York’s Times Square. One street of the busy area was converted into pedestrian zone with lawn chairs this spring, giving more of a reason to dawdle and perhaps flip open a laptop.

In winter time in NY? Who is going to sit outside and play with their laptop?
sydenham at 11:42 AM JST - 11th November

This need for constant connectivity is disturbing. People need to get a life (he typed while on a 10 minute break at work).
Weasel at 11:47 AM JST - 11th November

Is this really news?
You can find free wifi nearly anywhere in the world these days. http://www.wififreespot.com/
bogva at 03:06 PM JST - 11th November

I think the news is big!

Remember just how it was 10 years ago with the e-mail addresses? There were free services but you couldn't use POP and have your mails in your own PC. My fiancee was paying arm and leg for IBM global mail service. Same for international phone service. Now you can call for free, you can mail for free - you name it!

This might mark the start of global free WiFi competition, just the way Internet became global and accessible with the on-line advertisement.

Oh, and BTW just checked the available free hot spots in my region in Japan. Zero is the answer! About 10 in Yokohama only in few big hotels, etc.
thomyorke at 03:53 PM JST - 11th November

Yeah, this is useless for those who live in Japan. Finding a spot with Wi-Fi here is about as common as finding a happy orphan on Mothers Day.
Yelnats at 04:06 PM JST - 11th November

boqva There are hotspots all over the place because people do not secure their wireless routers. Walk around with your laptop and you will be surprised. I believe most McDonalds have Yahoo BB for free too. I also know how to get free on line at any airport, but not going to divulge my secret. I do tell military people though when I see them paying for serice. Makes them smile.